JOHN TOSHACK has revealed that he will not be continuing as coach of relegated Murcia next season.

JOHN TOSHACK has revealed that he will not be continuing as coach of relegated Murcia next season.

The former Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad coach made his announcement following the 1-0 defeat to Real Betis that mathematically assured his side would be making a rapid return to the Second Division they left at the end of last season.

Toshack took over from Joaquin Peiro half way through the campaign, but it soon became clear that Murcia's problems were much deeper than a simple change of coach could alter and with only three wins all season (two of them with Toshack in charge), they are rock bottom of the Primera Liga with only 20 points from 33 games.

"I will continue working here until the end of my contract which is May 23 and then I wish Murcia all the best," said Toshack.

"I hope that the people who take decisions get it right next season.

"Relegation is something new for me, but I am not planning to hide away.

"When I came here, I was convinced that we could avoid relegation. If that had not been the case, I never would have come," he insisted.

Toshack then reflected on the problems which have beset his side all season, particularly their lack of firepower.

"It's not often you will see a team that is as innocent in front of goal as Murcia.

"There is no doubt we have lacked the necessary quality for the Primera Liga in the last 25 metres," he said.